May 05, 2011

Burke, O'Connor could be winners under City Council reorg

Chicago’s most powerful alderman would keep control of the influential Finance Committee under a City Council reorganization that could be announced next week, according to sources familiar with the still-evolving plan.

Despite his opposition to Rahm Emanuel during the election, 14th Ward Ald. Edward Burke would remain Finance chairman, avoiding the prospect of a political battle with the incoming mayor.

The deal is being worked out by some of the council’s top aldermen. Ald. Patrick O’Connor, 40th, a close Emanuel ally, is playing a key role in those talks, the sources said.

O’Connor could end up as chairman of a new committee that might serve as somewhat of a counterweight to Burke’s finance panel, a source said. O’Connor also could serve as Emanuel’s council floor leader, a role he played for outgoing Mayor Richard Daley, sources said.

If the plan is announced next week, it would stand in contrast to the decades-long practice of waiting until the first council meeting held days after a new mayor and the 50 aldermen are sworn in. That ceremony is set for May 16.

Asked about the reorganization, Emanuel’s transition staff issued a statement repeating its frequent refrain that the mayor-elect plans “to work with the city council to reform government” and will explain how he plans to make city government more efficient and accountable “very soon.”

During a campaign debate, Emanuel suggested that Burke — the council’s dean who commands $8 million in campaign funds and is an expert on procedure — might not be keep his chairmanship. Burke backed Gery Chico, an Emanuel opponent, for mayor.

Emanuel’s suggestion, and additional comments the mayor-elect made about Burke’s bodyguard detail, raised the possibility of a political battle. But O’Connor and other aldermen quickly sought to play down that prospect — and set out to prevent it.

Burke and Emanuel recently got together, with O’Connor brokering the meeting. Burke described it as “a nice meeting.”

Although the council is responsible for setting up the committee structure, the mayor in practice often plays a significant role.

Another winner in the reorganization would be Ald. Michelle Harris. The alderman from the politically influential 8th Ward on the South Side would be named president pro tempore, giving her the task of running council meetings in Emanuel’s absence.

Ald. Michael Zalewski, 23rd, whose ward includes Midway Airport, stands to become chairman of the Aviation Committee. Ald. Daniel Solis, 25th, would keep his post as chairman of the important Zoning Committee.

There also will be fewer committees than the current 19, likely by melding the duties of some committees that now don’t have chairmen with the work of others, the sources said.

All 50 aldermen on the Chicago City Council had to file paperwork earlier this year detailing their outside income and gifts. The Tribune took that ethics paperwork and posted the information here for you to see. You can search by ward number or alderman's last name.

The Cook County Assessor's office has put together lists of projected median property tax bills for all suburban towns and city neighborhoods. We've posted them for you to get a look at who's paying more and who's paying less.

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